Labour MP Dave Anderson is calling on David Cameron to recall Parliament to discuss intervening in Iraq.

Fighting in Northern Iraq has seen thousands of members of the Yazidi sect trapped in mountains following an assault by ISIS.

Now, Blaydon MP Mr Anderson, who opposed Tony Blair’s 2003 decision to invade Iraq, is calling for the Prime Minister to recall the House of Commons for an urgent debate.

The Tory leader has so far resisted calls from other MPs but Mr Anderson believes taking action could save thousands of lives.

In an open letter to the PM, he said: “Today’s events are a sad re-run of history. I opposed the war led by Bush and Blair because it was fought on a false premise.

“However, after visiting Kurdistan and also Baghdad in 2008, I am convinced that it would have been legitimate for the world to intervene in the eighties to prevent the horrific devastation that befell the Kurds and other minorities in Iraq.

“It is with this in mind that I feel we should recall Parliament so that we can have an open and honest debate about what we as a sovereign nation should be doing to help an ally and save the lives of thousands of innocent people.”